Owen lifted the Under 18 champion title at the 32^nd Northants Junior Congress held in Northampton earlier this month.

The student, who is also the reigning CBA Chess Champion, having seen off Sixth Form students to clinch the title, said he was thrilled to reign supreme against the county’s best young players.

He said: “I won five and drew one of my six games. I was so pleased to have won as I practiced hard before the tournament.”

Owen started playing the sport aged eight when a chess club was started at his primary school (Studfall Junior School).

He said: “I just enjoyed the game straight away and found that I had a natural talent for it.

“I find it really fun and particularly enjoy the problem solving part of the game.

“I don’t know what my ambitions are as yet, I will just see where it takes me.”

Owen has private home tuition and also regularly plays as part of the Northants Schools Association squad. He also practices regularly against his home computer (which he sets to the hardest level) and he also uses a software programme to analyse his performances.

Librarian Amy McKay, who organises the CBA chess competition said: "Owen's performance in the CBA tournament last year was very impressive, despite only being in Year 7 at the time, he had no problem beating our strongest Sixth Form players.  It'll be interesting to see who has the nerve to take him on this year!" 

Owen’s next game is in mid December in Liverpool.